Top 5 Best Landscape Cameras in 2025

Today’s best cameras are almost always capable of shooting both photos and videos. If your primary goal is to shoot stills, certain cameras provide better value and performance than hybrids, particularly for photography. These are the cameras you’ll find here: from premium compacts to mirrorless flagships, we’ve compiled this buying guide to assist photographers in selecting their next camera.

The Nikon Z6 III is our favorite camera for shooting stills, thanks to its impressive combination of speed and quality, focusing abilities, and elite handling. However, if you don’t shoot a lot of action or video, the Sony A7 IV has an advantage in terms of detail, whereas professional models provide next-level quality. The Canon EOS R10, which we consider the best camera for beginners, offers better value and easier handling.

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Last update on 2025-03-24 / Affiliate links/images from Amazon.

Top 5 Best Landscape Cameras in 2025

1.Fujifilm X100VI

Last update on 2025-03-24 / Affiliate links/images from Amazon.

The Fujifilm X100 series has long been a favorite among enthusiasts and professional photographers seeking a fixed-lens camera with image quality and handling comparable to swappable-lens models. The most recent iteration, the X100VI , shares the same appeal as previous models, with a retro-style exterior, physical dial controls, and a unique optical-electronic hybrid viewfinder. Under the hood, this edition gets in-body stabilization and a wonderful 40MP sensor that allows for digital zoom—both upgrades over the exceptional X100V.Earlier versions were always a joy to use, but these improvements add real utility and reinforce just how enjoyable it is to hold the camera and use it to make images. It easily earns our Editors’ Choice award for compact cameras and gets an even stronger endorsement than its predecessors, a rare five-star rating. The only real issue is availability: The X100VI is already on back order, so you’ll have to wait in line to get one.

The X100VI’s design is inspired by 1960s and 1970s rangefinder cameras. Although the camera is entirely digital on the inside, its handling and exterior are reminiscent of old fixed-lens rangefinders such as the Canonet series. The X100VI, like these antique models, has a permanently attached prime lens with a moderately wide angle of view and a viewfinder in the corner. There’s a lot of appeal here for rangefinder fans who don’t want to pay top dollar for a Leica M11 or who want something smaller than Fuji’s interchangeable-lens X-Pro3.

I classify the X100VI as a compact, point-and-shoot camera, though its features are beyond basic and its form is made for jacket pockets rather than jeans pockets. Even so, it’s not too much to carry, coming in at 2.9 by 5.0 by 2.2 inches (HWD) and about 1.1 pounds. Fuji sells it in an all-black or a two-tone, silver-and-black finish. I’ve tried both but think the latter option looks better. Of course, folks after a less noticeable camera are likely to prefer the stealthier black edition.

The construction quality is excellent. Fuji achieves a sturdy feel by wrapping a magnesium alloy frame in leatherette and using aluminum for the top and bottom plates. The camera has dust and splash protection, but it is not completely weather-proof because the front of the lens is a potential ingress point. However, you can plug the gap with the AR-X100 filter adapter and PRF-49 or another 49mm filter to make the camera completely dust and drip-resistant.

The X100VI uses the same accessories as previous iterations, so there are plenty of third-party hoods on the market. Even though the new camera is slightly thicker than the X100V to accommodate the in-camera image stabilization system, it is compatible with the Mark V’s add-on grips and baseplates. I had no trouble using the small built-in grip, but you may want to add one if you prefer more depth for the body. The SmallRig add-on is about $40 and doubles as an Arca-Swiss baseplate. I haven’t used this specific grip, but other SmallRig accessories I’ve tried have worked well.

2.Nikon Z6III

Last update on 2025-03-24 / Affiliate links/images from Amazon.

The Nikon Z6III is a much more significant upgrade to the series than the Z 6 II. The Mark III camera features new partially stacked sensor technology, fast and accurate 3D Tracking focus with intelligent subject recognition, and ProRes video encoding. Add a sturdy, weather-sealed body with a brilliant electronic viewfinder and sublime ergonomics, and you’ve got one of the best cameras you can get for the price. The Z6III matches or betters the Canon EOS R6 Mark II in many respects, and while it’s a very close call, the Z6III does enough to take the Canon’s place as our Editors’ Choice among full-frame cameras in its price range.

The Z6III contains a lot of new technology, but its size and shape remain relatively similar to its predecessor. The body is of average size among full-frame peers, measuring 4.0 by 5.5 by 2.9 inches (HWD) and weighing just under 1.5 pounds without a lens. It’s slightly larger than the Canon R6 Mark II (3.9 by 5.4 by 3.5 inches, 1.3 pounds), but it’s still manageable for extended outings and photo walks.Like other Z system cameras, the Z6III is a mirrorless design with a fully electronic viewfinder, but it follows the paradigm established by SLRs. Its EVF is centered behind the lens mount, and the body includes a prominent handgrip to provide balance with lenses of all sizes.

The Z6III has a well-organized control system, a large handgrip, and plenty of onboard dials and buttons. The camera is easy to hold, even with a large lens like the Nikkor Z 600mm F6.3 VR S attached. The grip is spaced far enough apart from the lens mount to avoid feeling cramped and to accommodate a pair of configurable function buttons (Fn1, Fn2) nearby.

The grip also houses the front command dial, which is located just below the angled shutter release, and the On/Off toggle that surrounds it. On the top plate, the Record, ISO, and EV buttons are located just behind the shutter release, near a monochrome information display and its corresponding backlight toggle button. The Mode dial is located on the left side of the EVF hump, and it features a push-and-turn central post lock.

Looking to the rear, the Z6III includes Drive and Delete buttons just to the left of the viewfinder eye cup. The Drive button is especially handy since the Z6III supports burst speeds up to 120fps—it works along with the command dials for quick, press-and-turn changes to the capture rate.

3.Nikon Z 8

Last update on 2025-03-24 / Affiliate links/images from Amazon.

Nikon’s large, gripped Z 9 represented a return to form for the iconic photo brand, but its body style did not appeal to everyone. Nikon’s Z 8 eliminates the vertical grip while retaining all cutting-edge technology and lowering the price to create a more compact, hybrid powerhouse. Among the highlights are a full-frame Stacked CMOS sensor for 45MP photos and 8K video, an advanced autofocus engine with smart subject recognition, a smooth electronic viewfinder (EVF) experience, and a weather-resistant design.

Nikon’s final high-pixel DSLR, the D850, is a standout example of what an optical viewfinder camera can do. It provided a unique combination of excellent autofocus performance and extreme resolution. Its influence is evident in the Z 8, which I affectionately referred to as the “Z850” whenever I took it out for a photo shoot. The Z 8 looks, feels, and behaves similarly to the D850. That’s high praise, given that I used the D850 for several years to review both Nikkor and third-party lenses. I have little doubt that it was one of the best Nikon cameras of the digital era.

Of course, as a stacked mirrorless camera, the Z 8 is designed with an EVF and a fully electronic shutter, rather than a pentaprism and mechanical focal plane shutter like the D850. However, the body size and style are relatively similar. The Z 8 measures 4.7 by 5.7 by 3.3 inches (HWD), which is slightly less tall and wider than the D850 (4.9 by 5.8 by 3.1 inches), but both weigh the same (around 2.0 pounds). Most full-frame cameras, such as the Sony a7R V (3.8 by 5.2 by 3.2 inches, 1.6 pounds), Canon EOS R5 (3.8 by 5.4 by 3.5 inches, 1.6 pounds), and Nikon Z 7 II (4.0 by 5.3 by 2.7 inches, 1.4 pounds), are compact.

The Z 8, like its predecessors, is designed for indoor and outdoor use, with a rugged magnesium alloy chassis that is dust and splash proof. The Z 8 lacks a mechanical shutter to protect its sensor, but it does include a sensor shield to keep dust out during lens changes. Nikon claims the weather sealing is as good as on the D850. Meanwhile, the Z 9 has been sealed more tightly to match the D6.

The Z 8 is compatible with Nikkor Z lenses, which were introduced in 2018, as well as Nikon F SLR lenses via the FTZ II adapter. This platform supports the standard F2.8 zoom trinity, as well as a set of F1.8 primes and a couple of large F1.2 lenses. In terms of standouts, Nikon’s lightweight, mid-priced telephoto primes, such as the Nikkor Z 400mm F4.5 and Z 600mm F6.3, are unparalleled on Canon and Sony platforms.

Third-party manufacturers like Tamron and Viltrox have jumped in with autofocusing full-frame options to bolster Nikon’s catalog, but there are still some gaps. Most notably, there are no mid-sized F1.4 primes for Nikon Z as of yet. Sony wins out on the sheer number of lens options, both first- and third-party, though the gap isn’t as vast as it was just a couple of years ago.

Despite its slight bulk, the Z 8 does not feel too large or heavy, which was a complaint I had about the Z 9. The grip is very important here. It’s deep enough to provide a secure grip on the camera even with a large lens attached, and it has a comfortable middle finger indent. Two assignable function buttons (Fn1, Fn2) are located between the grip and mount, similar to the D850.

4.Fujifilm X-S20

Last update on 2025-03-24 / Affiliate links/images from Amazon.

The stylish Fujifilm X-S20 mirrorless camera incorporates Fuji’s renowned color science into a mainstream body with all of the controls creators could desire. It uses the same image sensor as its predecessor, the excellent X-S10, but an upgraded processor improves autofocus and video features, and a larger battery significantly extends runtime.

The Fujifilm X-S20 is the second model in the line, following the X-S10 from 2020. The new edition is conceptually similar to the original; it replaces Fuji’s signature dial-driven exposure control with a familiar PASM dial, centers the viewfinder behind the lens, and has a swing-out LCD for selfies and vlogs.

The X-S20 retains the 26MP X-Trans BSI CMOS sensor from its predecessor, but with an updated image processor for improved autofocus (with subject recognition) and 10-bit 4K60 video. The body is slightly larger than before, but it is still one of the most compact cameras with 5-axis image stabilization, measuring 3.4 by 5.0 by 2.6 inches (HWD).

Fuji includes a pop-up flash in the body, which is typically reserved for entry- or mid-level cameras. It is insufficient for lighting a dark room, but it can be useful for filling in shadows in certain situations. Fuji offers a full line of X-mount lenses, a benefit of the system’s decade-plus lifespan. The XF 33mm F1.4 and XF 56mm F1.2 WR are two excellent examples of the company’s ability to modernize older models.

The X-S20’s body is similar to the original X-S10, but a larger grip and centered viewfinder make it easier to use heavier lenses—I enjoyed using the Tamron 150-500mm with the camera. The X-S20’s eight-way rear focus control stick also makes it a better match for the action and wildlife subjects captured by these lenses than competitors in this class that lack it, most notably the Sony a6700 and Nikon Z 50.

Fuji varies the control scheme from camera to camera, giving photographers a choice in style. Cameras like the X-T5 and X-T30 II, for example, have discrete shutter speed and ISO dials, similar to those found on vintage cameras and retro-inspired competitors such as the Nikon Z fc. The X-S20 takes a more mainstream approach, with an in-grip front dial and a top-mounted rear control dial for flexible exposure control, as well as a PASM Mode dial for adjusting the exposure mode. The dial includes the standard exposure options, as well as four custom slots for saving your favorite settings, a Vlog position, and a Movie mode.

5.DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro

Last update on 2025-03-24 / Affiliate links/images from Amazon.

The Osmo Action 5 Pro follows the cookie-cutter outline for action camera: It’s small enough to fit on a helmet, durable enough to withstand rough handling, and waterproof to an impressive 65.6 feet (20 meters). The camera measures approximately 1.7 by 2.8 by 1.3 inches (HWD) and weighs 5.2 ounces, which is nearly identical to the GoPro Hero13 Black (2.0 by 2.8 by 1.3 inches; 5.6 ounces).

The Action 5 is marketed as a professional model, whereas its predecessor, the Osmo Action 4, is not. The new edition has similar recording rates but has a larger rear display, a new image sensor, a more efficient processor for longer battery life, and 48GB of internal storage (plus a microSD slot).

The fifth-generation camera keeps the same mounting system as before, so you won’t have to buy new accessories if upgrading. However, the Osmo Action series does not have built-in mounting clips or a tripod socket like the GoPro Hero12 and Hero13. Instead, it relies on an (included) mounting clip that latches into the bottom of the camera body with a set of pinch clips and a strong magnet keeping the kit together.

The Action 5 Pro has only one attachment point on the bottom, but the camera comes with a cage that adds a second mount point for vertical orientation recording. The system has been around since the Osmo Action 3 and has proven to be secure. GoPro essentially copied it for the Hero13 Black, DJI’s first competitor to include a similar magnetic clip mount. They are similar but not identical—a DJI clip will not work with a GoPro, and vice versa.

That is not true for the mounts themselves. Both GoPro and DJI cameras have bunny ear clips as attachment points. These slide into slotted connectors on compatible mounts and are secured with a thumb screw. If you have a GoPro-compatible suction cup mount or selfie stick, it should also work with the Osmo. Regardless, DJI offers a complete line of Osmo mounts and accessories, including a set of push-on ND filters for the lens.

DJI offers the Osmo Action 5 Pro in two bundles. The Standard Combo includes the camera, one battery, a vertical mounting frame, one magnetic quick-release mount, and some basic accessories. Upgrade to the Adventure Combo which includes everything in the Standard plus two extra batteries and a triple-battery charging case, an extra magnetic quick-release mount, and the Osmo 1.5m Extension Rod.

How to choose the best camera for you

The main thing to look at when buying a digital camera is sensor size. Larger isn’t always better, but it is a good guide to what kind of camera it is, how expensive the lenses will be, and who it’s aimed at. In general, Micro Four Thirds and APS-C cameras are for both hobbyists and pros, while full-frame models tend to be strictly for advanced photographers with bigger budgets. Compact cameras with 1-inch sensors are for travel zooms and everyday photography.

Other features to look out for are viewfinders (electronic or optical), which are considered essential by most photographers, and handling. If you’re likely to want to use longer lenses, then a good grip is essential. You should also consider which lenses you’re likely to need for your favorite types of photography – for example, bright prime lenses are better for portraits and street shooting, while wide-angle zooms are more useful for landscapes. Deciding which camera system, including lenses, is the best for you is often better than choosing a camera in isolation.